Arma Reforger server hosting for your unit or community

What drives an Arma Reforger server

Players, AI and the scenario decide most of the load. Game modes with many AI units, vehicles and large battles cost far more than a small infantry mission, because the server simulates everything happening on the map, not just what players see.

Mods come from the in-game Workshop and are listed by ID in the server’s config; the server downloads them itself, and players get them when they join. Large mod lists raise memory use, startup time and join time, so trim what your unit does not actually use.

Game Master sessions deserve a note of their own. A game master can spawn large numbers of AI and vehicles on the fly, so a server that runs a scripted mission smoothly can struggle during an improvised op. Leave headroom if your unit runs Game Master nights, and watch server performance during the first big session.

Arma Reforger server hosting or a VPS?

Game hosts turn the JSON server config into a form: scenario, mods, passwords, crossplay options. That is the easiest way to run a server for a unit that just wants its weekly op to start on time.

The Arma Reforger dedicated server has official Windows and Linux builds, which makes a Linux VPS a natural fit if you are comfortable with a terminal. You install it through SteamCMD, write the config yourself and manage updates. Crossplay with console players comes with its own rules for mods - check the official documentation before you plan a modded crossplay server.

Tip: keep versions in sync

After a game update, the server and every mod must match the new version before players can join, so schedule a restart right after patches and check mod pages for fixes. Back up the config and profile folder, and use the admin password, a server password or a ban list to keep private ops private. A short checklist before each op saves a lot of waiting in the lobby.